Social Media Usage Declines as Real-World Connections Regain Importance

Recently, there has been a discernible trend among individuals seeking respite from the digital realm to embrace analog alternatives. This movement is evident in the revival of feature phone sales and a decline in social media usage.

According to a recent survey by global research institute GWI, conducted among more than 950,000 internet users worldwide, social media consumption time has decreased for the first time since 2012. One-third of the survey participants are limiting their platform usage, focusing on self-improvement and building relationships in the physical world.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) that we are familiar with are excellent tools for building global relationships and self-expression.

People can make friends across gender and national boundaries, share helpful information, and showcase their moods or talents while generating income through these platforms.

Nonetheless, as social media has progressively entrenched itself as a central facet of our daily existence, many individuals grapple with heightened dependency on these platforms. This addiction has brought about a surge in cyberbullying incidents and a proliferation of misinformation.

Long screen time led to poor posture and insomnia and was also used for personal information leaks and fraud. There were also concerns about adverse effects such as polarization due to comparison culture, focusing on appearance, and deepening relative deprivation.

The rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) has also been abused as a platform for distributing obscene materials that go beyond permissible levels, including sophisticated synthetic productions targeting children and teenagers.

Many studies have highlighted the side effects of social media and recommended usage restrictions. Still, those fascinated by stimulating information, dazzling spectacles, and instant gratification from quick responses seemed unable to break away easily.

However, following the trend of young Americans preferring feature phones over smartphones, the global decrease in social media consumption time suggests that the “addictive online world” has reached its peak and is slowly finding a balance with reality.

Especially in an era of high prices, the economically vulnerable younger generation focuses more on the real world they are facing rather than the virtual world disconnected from real life, which is believed to have influenced this trend.

According to the market research firm Consumer Insight, last year, nearly half (49%) of budget phone users in Korea fell into the age groups of their 20s and 30s. Simultaneously, apps like Cashwalk and Allways have witnessed explosive popularity, incentivizing users with real rewards based on walking and tending to virtual crops. This surge in interest is contributing to a resurgence of substance-oriented culture.

The rampant theft of personal information online and increased cyber crimes have made people increasingly hesitant to divulge their data and faces on social media platforms. This echoes the behavior of figures like Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (formerly Facebook), who refrains from sharing pictures of his children on social media.

Addressing the findings of GWI’s survey regarding the decrease in the time spent on social media, Reuters has speculated that the Alpha generation, born in the 2010s and gradually navigating the digital landscape, may exhibit stronger resistance to the rapidly changing digital culture compared to the “digitally saturated” generation Z.

Therefore, they advised that companies need new strategies to prepare for this trend.

By. Chae Seo Park